Earlier, lauding Patel's commitment to the country's unity and integrity, Modi said, "Numerous conspiracies are going on to break the nation, be it terrorism or Maoism. Even you (the PM) once described Maoism as the biggest threat to the country."
"I will appeal to the misguided youth who have taken the path of bomb and gun to join the national mainstream. This is the land of Gandhi and Sardar Patel where they will never succeed, no matter who is inspiring them.
"Those who walk the path of bomb and gun do no good to the country, their society or their community, rather they do greatest damage to their own society and community," Modi said as he praised Patel for bequeathing the country the "great legacy of a national unity".
Modi, whose development model has been slammed by Congress, appeared to take a dig at the Prime Minister when he rattled off the number of awards Gujarat had received under him for good governance.